Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is only short drive from Cusco and it offers picturesque communities, impressive terraces and many important archaeological sites. It is the place which, with its climate, let the Incas develop extensive agriculture. In the Valley Incas built many important fortresses and towns. We will visit the most interesting of them on our way.

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8am. We will drive for about 1.5 hour to reach the town of Pisac. On the way we will have several stops to visit small archeological sites. Additionally we will have opportunity to see and find out more about South American animals – llamas and alpacas. Another interesting stop will show us traditional way of weaving.

We will visit Pisac one of the biggest archaeological sites in the region of Cusco. It has many terraces which were used for agriculture. In Pisac there is a colourful local market. There are many handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbain style to purchase. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning local people come to sell and buy their agriculture products. Every Sunday at around 9h30 there is the traditional Mass held in Quechua.

Our next stop will be Ollantaytambo – the place where the Inca Pachacutec built his impressive fortress. It is located in a beautiful setting. Apart from the main archeological site the hills that surround the town hide the impressive smaller archeological sites. This site is one of the few places that the Spaniards lost a battle during the conquest. The whole Ollantaytambo is built according to the rules of Inca town design.

On the way from Ollantaytambo we will visit chicheria where we can try the local drink chicha. It is produced in the same way that the Incas prepared this sacred drink ages ago.

Then we continue to Moray. We will find there circle terraces which used to be ”the agriculture Inca laboratory”. The circles were used for the development of different strains of crops. Between the highest and lowest terraces there is a difference of up to 15 degrees. Although the difference between neighboring terraces is very small, it creates distinct microclimates that change growing conditions and allow the propagation of a huge variety of plants each with slightly different growth requirements.

Afterwards we come back to Cusco

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Each guide has his own way of leading his groups but always his decisions will be for the benefit of the tourists.

There is an option of one day extension to visit Machu Picchu – please, let us know if you are interested in that at the moment of making reservation.

To enjoy the trip in full – bring an open mind, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.

INCLUDED:

An explanation two days before departing

Return transportation by private bus

Professional guide who speaks English, Spanish and Quechua

Assistant guide for groups larger than 8 people

Lunch and water

First aid equipment

NOT INCLUDED:

Breakfast and dinner

Entrance fees – You need to purchase the Boleto de Turistico at the first site you enter (Soles 130 per person; valid for 10 days and allows entrance into 16 various sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley)

Tips for personnel (according to their job)

1 small nylon reinforced backpack to carry the things you need for the trek (camera, drinks, etc.)

Small flashlight and extra batteries

1 water bottle (1 liter) or a small plastic throw away bottle

Hiking boots

1 jacket (of nylon with hood and water and wind resistant)

1 Fleece Jacket

short sleeved shirt (preferably “dryfit” that don’t retain water)

a pair of shorts such as bermudas.

socks of wool or of fiber (coolmax) for the trek (avoid cotton as these can retain water)